Long non-coding RNA AC026166.2-001 inhibits cell proliferation and migration in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating the miR-24-3p/p27 axis.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AC026166.2-001 was found to be down-regulated in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) tissues and metastatic neck lymph nodes. Decreased AC026166.2-001 was associated with poorer prognosis and may act as a novel biomarker for LSCC patients. In this study, AC026166.2-001 was overexpressed by a lentivirus vector and down-regulated by a small interfering RNA (siRNA). The results of real-time cell analysis (RTCA) and a plate colony formation assay showed that AC026166.2-001 inhibited LSCC cell proliferation and the clone-forming capacity. Cell cycle distribution and related protein changes were measured by flow cytometry. AC026166.2-001 arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase and induced apoptosis. In addition, AC026166.2-001 decreased cell migration as measured by wound healing assays and transwell migration assays. Moreover, luciferase reporter assay and Western blotting results suggested that AC026166.2-001 acts as a sponge of miR-24-3p and regulates the expression of p27 and cyclin D1. The in vivo results showed that AC026166.2-001 significantly suppressed the growth of LSCC xenografts and promoted apoptosis. We validated the molecular mechanisms underlying AC026166.2-001 in LSCC. This is the first report of AC026166.2-001 acting as a tumor suppressor in LSCC by regulating the miR-24-3p/p27 axis.